We couldn't hear or see anything.
82 We got the communications fixed in about twenty hours, then, started
getting strange reports that there had been unusual activity at the
beam tube stations. Then, two of the outer planets called in and
reported their cargo pods were missing. Then, we started to get the
reports of slaves not reporting for duty, and that some of our people
weren't accounted for; my daughter among them.
83 When our tracking system finally came back up, we spotted an
unidentified ship leaving the system. I sent my destroyers after them,
but they only had system drive, and it was too late. The ship went to
star drive and disappeared. It's all here in the reports."
84 ''Number Two," snapped North, "call up to the ship and have them
check that hole in the desert. I want a full report. I take it your
communications system was sabotaged, governor, as well as your tracking
system. How did the Hashons manage to get into such areas? And, how did
they gain access to the transport tubes? Do you think that they
overpowered the Guards?"
85 The Governor looked extremely nervous. "Some of the Hashons were
trained to maintain the communications systems," he admitted. "I know
it's not regulations, but I'm never given enough personnel anyway. Much
of the sabotage was done in sections where they had no access. I think
some of my people may have helped them. That many of those that went
with them weren't captives, but accomplices, including my daughter. She
was in love with a Hashon and wanted to marry him, but I forbade it.
86 Can you imagine a daughter of The Holy Blood wanting to defile her
race by bearing the children of inferiors? It's bad enough some of our men marrying Hashon women, but our daughter
with that filth? It's unthinkable! I can't understand what happened to
The Lord God to permit such insanity!"
87 North's Number Two had reentered the room, and heard